Crime
Video shows moments Dejuane Hayden shot and killed by Jacksonville police officer Bradley Griffitts
This marks the second officer-involved shooting for Griffitts.
Jacksonville, Florida – A 30-year-old man, identified as Dejuane Aki Hayden, was fatally shot by a Jacksonville sheriff’s officer on Thursday.
The incident occurred around 4 PM in the 2900 block of Justina Road.
According to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, officers were conducting surveillance in the area when they observed three men, including Hayden, engaging in suspicious behavior involving firearms and potential drug transactions.
As officers approached the three men, two of them complied with their commands.
However, Hayden fled on foot while carrying a pistol. An officer pursued him, repeatedly warning him to drop the weapon.
The officer fired four shots at Hayden, striking him once. Hayden fell to the ground but then stood up and continued to flee, jumping over a wall.
Officers apprehended Hayden and provided medical aid due to his injuries.
He was transported to a hospital but later succumbed to his wounds.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office recovered a firearm from the suspect who was killed and another firearm from one of the other suspects.
The third suspect was found to be carrying an airsoft gun.
This is the fifth officer-involved shooting in Jacksonville this year.
The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Bradley Griffitts. This marks the second officer-involved shooting for Griffitts.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.